JP2019193441A - Power transmission system, recovery device, control program, and recovery method of the power transmission system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a power transmission system, a recovery device, a control program, and a recovery method of the power transmission system which are each improved.SOLUTION: The power transmission system is provided with: a power reception device that transmits a first signal that requests power transmission; a power transmission device that transmits wireless power in an arrival directions of the first signal; and a recovery device. The recovery device transmits a second signal as an alternative of the first signal. The recovery device is disposed in a position where the second signal can be transmitted from the power reception device in a predetermined range. The power transmission device transmits wireless power in an arrival directions of the second signal when receiving the second signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a power transmission system, a recovery device, a control program, and a power transmission system recovery method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for supplying electric power to an electronic device using electromagnetic waves is known (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a power transmission device that supplies power to a device by using a microwave.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-2223018

  There is room for improvement in the conventional technology for supplying power by electromagnetic waves.

  It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved power transmission system, recovery device, control program, and power transmission system recovery method.

  A power transmission system according to an aspect includes a power receiving device that transmits a first signal that requests power transmission, a power transmission device that transmits wireless power in an arrival direction of the first signal, and a recovery device. The restoration device transmits a second signal as an alternative to the first signal. The restoration device is disposed at a position where the second signal can be transmitted within a predetermined range from the power receiving device. The power transmission device transmits wireless power in the arrival direction of the second signal when receiving the second signal.

  The restoration device according to one aspect includes a communication unit that transmits a second signal as an alternative to the first signal that requests power transmission transmitted by the power receiving device, and a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a second signal.

  The control program according to one aspect causes the communication device to execute a step of transmitting a second signal as an alternative to the first signal requesting power transmission transmitted by the power receiving device.

  The power transmission system recovery method according to one aspect is a power transmission system recovery method including a power receiving device, a power transmission device, and a recovery device. The power transmission system recovery method includes a step in which the power receiving device transmits a first signal requesting power transmission, and a step in which the power transmitting device transmits wireless power in the arrival direction of the first signal. Furthermore, the restoration method of the power transmission system includes the step of the restoration device transmitting a second signal as an alternative to the first signal, and the second signal when the power transmission device receives the second signal. Transmitting wireless power in the direction of arrival. The restoration device is disposed at a position where the second signal can be transmitted within a predetermined range from the power receiving device.

  According to the present disclosure, an improved power transmission system, recovery device, control program, and power transmission system recovery method can be provided.

It is a figure showing a schematic structure of a power transmission system concerning one embodiment of this indication. It is a functional block diagram of the power transmission system shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the power receiving device illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the recovery apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the power transmission apparatus shown in FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of the power transmission system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the recovery apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of a structure of the recovery apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the further another example of a structure of the recovery apparatus shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are given to common components in the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a power transmission system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The power transmission system 1 includes a power receiving device 10, a restoration device 20, and a power transmission device 30. The power transmission system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes one power receiving device 10. However, the power transmission system 1 may include a plurality of power receiving devices 10.

  The power receiving device 10 transmits a first signal requesting power transmission. When the power transmission device 30 receives the first signal, wireless power is transmitted from the power transmission device 30 to the power reception device 10.

  The power receiving device 10 receives wireless power from the power transmitting device 30. The power receiving device 10 exhibits a desired function of the power receiving device 10 by the received wireless power. The power receiving device 10 may be any device as long as it is configured to receive wireless power. For example, the power receiving device 10 may be a sensor device, a wireless speaker, a cordless telephone, an electric shaver, an electric toothbrush, an electric vehicle, or the like.

  For example, when the power receiving device 10 cannot transmit the first signal due to power shortage, the restoration device 20 transmits the second signal as an alternative to the first signal. When the restoration device 20 transmits the second signal in the vicinity of the power receiving device 10, wireless power is transmitted from the power transmitting device 30 to the power receiving device 10 even if the power receiving device 10 cannot transmit the first signal. By such control, even if the power receiving apparatus 10 cannot transmit the first signal, it can receive wireless power from the power transmitting apparatus 30 and can recover. Here, in the present disclosure, “the power receiving device 10 is restored” means that the power receiving device 10 receives wireless power from the power transmitting device 30 from a state where the power receiving device 10 cannot transmit the first signal due to power shortage. This means that a signal can be transmitted.

  The restoration device 20 is disposed at a position where the second signal can be transmitted within a predetermined range from the power receiving device 10 by the user, for example. For example, the recovery device 20 may be arranged so that the entire recovery device 20 is located within a predetermined range. Further, for example, the recovery device 20 may be arranged such that only a communication unit 22 described later that transmits the second signal is located within a predetermined range from the power receiving device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 9 described later. The predetermined range may be set so that the power receiving device 10 can receive the wireless power when the power transmitting device 30 transmits the wireless power in the arrival direction of the second signal. Alternatively, the predetermined range is such that the arrival direction of the first signal from the power receiving device 10 viewed from the power transmission device 30 substantially matches the arrival direction of the second signal from the restoration device 20 viewed from the power transmission device 30. May be set. For example, the predetermined range may be 5 cm.

  The power transmission device 30 receives the first signal from the power reception device 10. When receiving the first signal, the power transmission device 30 transmits the wireless power in the arrival direction of the first signal.

  For example, when the power receiving device 10 cannot transmit the first signal due to power shortage, the power transmitting device 30 can receive the second signal as an alternative to the first signal from the restoration device 20. When receiving the second signal, the power transmission device 30 transmits the wireless power in the arrival direction of the second signal. By such control, even if the power receiving device 10 cannot transmit the first signal due to power shortage, wireless power is transmitted from the power transmitting device 30 to the power receiving device 10.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the power transmission system 1 shown in FIG. The power transmission system 1 includes a power receiving device 10, a restoration device 20, and a power transmission device 30. The power receiving device 10, the recovery device 20, and the power transmission device 30 can wirelessly communicate with each other. The restoration device 20 and the power transmission device 30 can wirelessly communicate with each other. The power transmission device 30 can wirelessly communicate with the communication device 3 via the network 2.

  The wireless communication standard between the power receiving device 10 and the restoration device 20 and the power transmission device 30 may be a short-range wireless communication standard. The wireless communication standard between the restoration device 20 and the power transmission device 30 may be a short-range wireless communication standard. Examples of the short-range wireless communication standards include wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), NFC (Near Field Communication), Zigbee (registered trademark), and Z-wave (registered trademark).

  The wireless communication standard between the power transmission device 30 and the communication device 3 may be a long-distance wireless communication standard. As the long-distance wireless communication, for example, 2G (2nd Generation), 3G (3rd Generation), 4G (4th Generation), LTE (Long Term Evolution), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) ) Etc.

  The network 2 is, for example, the Internet. However, the network 2 is not limited to the Internet. The network 2 may be an appropriately configured network.

  The communication device 3 is, for example, a smartphone. However, the communication device 3 is not limited to a smartphone. The communication device 3 may be any device capable of wireless communication. For example, the communication device 3 may be a fablet, a tablet PC, or a feature phone.

  The communication device 3 may transmit a second signal transmission instruction to the recovery device 20 via the network 2 based on a user operation. When the user knows that the power receiving device 10 is in a state where the first signal cannot be transmitted due to power shortage, the user can operate the communication device 3 to cause the communication device 3 to transmit a second signal transmission instruction to the restoration device 20. . Further, the user can place the recovery device 20 in the vicinity of the power receiving device 10 as shown in FIG. 1 so that the recovery device 20 can transmit the second signal from the power receiving device 10 within a predetermined range.

  The power receiving device 10 includes a power receiving unit 11, a communication unit 12, a power storage unit 13, a storage unit 15, and a control unit 16. The power receiving device 10 may further include a notification unit 14. However, the components included in the power receiving device 10 are not limited to these. For example, the power receiving device 10 may include a component that exhibits a desired function of the power receiving device 10. For example, when the power receiving apparatus 10 is a sensor device that acquires data in the external environment, the power receiving apparatus 10 may further include a sensor unit that acquires data in the external environment.

  The power reception unit 11 receives wireless power from the power transmission device 30 based on the control of the control unit 16. The power reception unit 11 may include an antenna and a rectifier circuit. The antenna receives electromagnetic waves from the power transmission device 30. The rectifier circuit converts the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna into DC power.

  The communication unit 12 wirelessly communicates with the restoration device 20 and the power transmission device 30 based on the control of the control unit 16. The communication unit 12 may include a wireless communication module corresponding to the short-range wireless communication standard.

  The power storage unit 13 is electrically connected to the power receiving unit 11. The power storage unit 13 can store the power received by the power receiving unit 11. The power storage unit 13 supplies the stored power to each component of the power receiving device 10.

  The notification unit 14 notifies information based on the control of the control unit 16. The notification unit 14 may notify information in an arbitrary manner. For example, the notification unit 14 may notify information by sound, vibration, light emission, image, or the like. The notification unit 14 may include at least one of a light emitting element such as a speaker, a vibrator, and an LED, and a display device. The display device may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or an inorganic EL display.

  The storage unit 15 may be configured by a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit 15 stores various information and a program for operating the power receiving device 10. The storage unit 15 may function as a work memory. For example, the storage unit 15 may store identification information of the power receiving device 10.

  The control unit 16 is a processor that controls and manages the entire power receiving apparatus 10 including each functional block of the power receiving apparatus 10. The control unit 16 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program defining a control procedure, or a dedicated processor specialized for processing of each function.

  The control unit 16 transmits a first signal requesting power transmission by the communication unit 12. The first signal may include identification information of the power receiving device 10. The first signal may be a pilot signal or a beacon signal. When the power receiving device 10 transmits the first signal, wireless power is transmitted from the power transmitting device 30 to the power receiving device 10. The control unit 16 receives the wireless power from the power transmission device 30 by the power receiving unit 11.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 16 determines that the first signal cannot be transmitted when the remaining battery level of the power storage unit 13 falls below a predetermined value. In other words, when the remaining battery level of the power storage unit 13 falls below a predetermined value, the power receiving device 10 is in a state where it cannot transmit the first signal due to insufficient power. In the present embodiment, even when the power receiving device 10 cannot transmit the first signal, the restoration device 20 transmits the second signal as an alternative to the first signal as described above. When the restoration device 20 transmits a second signal as an alternative to the first signal, wireless power is transmitted from the power transmission device 30 to the power reception device 10. By such control, the control unit 16 can charge the power storage unit 13 with the wireless power. The control unit 16 determines that the first signal can be transmitted when the remaining battery level of the power storage unit 13 again exceeds a predetermined value. When the remaining battery level of power storage unit 13 exceeds a predetermined value, control unit 16 transmits the first signal again using communication unit 12. In other words, the power receiving apparatus 10 is restored when the remaining battery level of the power storage unit 13 exceeds a predetermined value. When transmitting the first signal by the communication unit 12 again, the control unit 16 may notify the notification unit 14 that the power receiving device 10 has been restored.

  The control unit 16 may periodically communicate with the power transmission device 30 through the communication unit 12 according to the application of the power receiving device 10 or the like. For example, when the power receiving device 10 is a sensor device, the control unit 16 may periodically transmit data acquired by the sensor device to the power transmission device 30 by the communication unit 12. For example, the control unit 16 may periodically receive software update information from the power transmission device 30 by the communication unit 12 in order to update the software of the power receiving device 10 to the latest state.

  The recovery device 20 includes a notification unit 21, a communication unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a control unit 24. However, the constituent elements of the recovery device 20 are not limited to these. For example, the recovery device 20 may further include an input unit that receives a user operation. The input unit may receive a transmission instruction of the second signal from the user.

  The notification unit 21 notifies information based on the control of the control unit 24. The notification unit 21 may notify information in an arbitrary manner. For example, the notification unit 21 may notify information by sound, vibration, light emission, image, or the like. The notification unit 21 may include at least one of a light emitting element such as a speaker, a vibrator, and an LED, and a display device. The display device may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an inorganic EL display.

  The communication unit 22 performs wireless communication with the power receiving device 10 and the power transmission device 30 based on the control of the control unit 24. The communication unit 22 may include a wireless communication module corresponding to the short-range wireless communication standard.

  The storage unit 23 may be configured by a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit 23 stores various information and programs for operating the recovery device 20. The storage unit 23 may function as a work memory. For example, the storage unit 23 may store identification information of the recovery device 20.

  The control unit 24 is a processor that controls and manages the entire recovery device 20 including each functional block of the recovery device 20. The control unit 24 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU that executes a program that defines a control procedure, or a dedicated processor specialized for processing of each function.

  The control unit 24 transmits a second signal as an alternative to the first signal by the communication unit 22. The second signal may include identification information of the recovery device 20. For example, the control unit 24 may transmit the second signal by the communication unit 22 when the communication unit 22 receives the transmission instruction of the second signal from the communication device 3 or the power transmission device 30 via the network 2. . In addition, for example, when the restoration device 20 has an input unit, the control unit 24 may transmit the second signal when the input unit receives a second signal transmission instruction.

  After transmitting the second signal, the control unit 24 can receive a notification signal for notifying the restoration of the power reception device 10 from the power transmission device 30 by the communication unit 22. When receiving the notification signal, the control unit 24 may stop the transmission of the second signal by the communication unit 22. Further, when receiving the notification signal, the control unit 24 may notify the notification unit 21 that the power receiving apparatus 10 has been restored.

  The power transmission device 30 includes a power transmission unit 31, a notification unit 32, a communication unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35. However, the component which the power transmission apparatus 30 has is not limited to these. For example, the power transmission device 30 may further include a power storage unit that supplies power to each component of the power transmission device 30.

  The power transmission unit 31 transmits wireless power to the power receiving device 10 based on the control of the control unit 35. The power transmission unit 31 may include an antenna and an oscillator. The oscillator generates AC power having a predetermined frequency based on power supplied to the power transmission device 30 from a power source such as power distribution equipment. The antenna radiates AC power of a predetermined frequency generated by the oscillator as an electromagnetic wave.

  The notification unit 32 notifies information based on the control of the control unit 35. The notification unit 32 may notify information in an arbitrary manner. For example, the notification unit 32 may notify information by sound, vibration, light emission, image, or the like. The notification unit 32 may include at least one of a light emitting element such as a speaker, a vibrator, and an LED, and a display device. The display device may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an inorganic EL display.

  The communication unit 33 performs wireless communication with the power receiving device 10 and the recovery device 20 based on the control of the control unit 35. The communication unit 33 performs wireless communication with the communication device 3 via the network 2 based on the control of the control unit 35. The communication unit 33 may include a wireless communication module corresponding to the short-range wireless communication standard and a wireless communication module corresponding to the long-range wireless communication standard.

  The storage unit 34 may be configured by a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit 34 stores various information, a program for operating the power transmission device 30, and the like. The storage unit 34 may function as a work memory.

  The storage unit 34 may store identification information of the permission device. The permission device is a device that is permitted for the power transmission device 30 to transmit wireless power. For example, the storage unit 34 may store the identification information of the power receiving device 10 and the identification information of the recovery device 20 as a permission device. The memory | storage part 34 may store the identification information of a permission apparatus based on user operation.

  The control unit 35 is a processor that controls and manages the entire power transmission device 30 including each functional block of the power transmission device 30. The control unit 35 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU that executes a program that defines a control procedure, or a dedicated processor specialized for processing of each function.

  The control unit 35 can receive a first signal requesting power transmission from the power receiving device 10 through the communication unit 33. When the control unit 35 receives the first signal, the power transmission unit 31 transmits wireless power in the arrival direction of the first signal. When the identification information of the permission device is stored in the storage unit 34, the control unit 35 may determine whether the identification information included in the first signal is included in the identification information of the permission device. Furthermore, when it is determined that the identification information included in the first signal is included in the identification information of the permission device, the control unit 35 may transmit wireless power in the arrival direction of the first signal.

  The control unit 35 can receive the second signal from the restoration device 20 through the communication unit 33. As described above, the second signal is transmitted from the restoration device 20 to the power transmission device 30 when the power receiving device 10 cannot transmit the first signal due to power shortage. When receiving the second signal, the control unit 35 transmits the wireless power by the power transmission unit 31 in the arrival direction of the second signal. When the identification information of the permission device is stored in the storage unit 34, the control unit 35 may determine whether or not the identification information included in the second signal is included in the identification information of the permission device. Furthermore, when it is determined that the identification information included in the second signal is included in the identification information of the permission device, the control unit 35 may transmit wireless power in the arrival direction of the second signal.

  After receiving the second signal, the control unit 35 can receive the first signal from the restored power receiving device 10 by the communication unit 33. When receiving the first signal after receiving the second signal, the control unit 35 may transmit a notification signal for notifying that the power receiving device 10 has been restored to the restoration device 20 by the communication unit 33. Further, the control unit 35 may transmit a notification signal for notifying that the power receiving device 10 has been restored to the communication device 3 via the network 2 by the communication unit 33. Further, the control unit 35 may notify the notification unit 32 that the power receiving device 10 has been restored.

  Here, the control unit 35 may periodically communicate with the power receiving device 10 through the communication unit 33. For example, when the power receiving device 10 is a sensor device, the control unit 35 periodically receives data acquired by the sensor device from the power receiving device 10 by the communication unit 33. Further, for example, the control unit 35 transmits software update information of the power receiving device 10 to the power receiving device 10 through the communication unit 33. Such regular communication between the power receiving device 10 and the power transmitting device 30 may be interrupted when the power receiving device 10 runs out of power.

  Therefore, when the periodic communication between the power receiving device 10 and the power transmitting device 30 is interrupted, the control unit 35 sends a warning signal indicating that the power receiving device 10 is insufficient in power via the network 2 to the communication device 3. Alternatively, it may be transmitted by the communication unit 33. For example, the control unit 35 may determine that the periodic communication with the power receiving device 10 has been interrupted when the communication unit 33 does not perform communication with the power receiving device 10 for a predetermined time or longer. The predetermined time may be set as appropriate according to the type of periodic communication performed between the power receiving device 10 and the power transmitting device 30. By such control, the user can know from the warning signal received by the communication device 3 that the power receiving apparatus 10 is in a state where the first signal cannot be transmitted due to insufficient power. Accordingly, the user can place the recovery device 20 in the vicinity of the power receiving device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 so that the recovery device 20 can transmit the second signal within a predetermined range from the power receiving device 10. In addition, the user can operate the communication device 3 to cause the communication device 3 to transmit a transmission instruction of the second signal to the recovery device 20. Or the control part 35 may transmit the transmission instruction | indication of a 2nd signal directly to the recovery apparatus 20 by the communication part 33. FIG.

[Operation of the power receiving device]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power receiving device 10 shown in FIG. For example, the power receiving apparatus 10 executes the process illustrated in FIG. 3 when the restoration apparatus 20 is located in the vicinity and starts receiving wireless power. Further, when the remaining battery level of the power storage unit 13 falls below a predetermined value and the control unit 16 of the power receiving device 10 determines that the first signal cannot be transmitted, the control unit 16 of the power receiving device 10 executes the process shown in FIG. You can do it.

  When the restoration device 20 transmits the second signal, wireless power is transmitted from the power transmission device 30 to the power reception device 10. The control unit 16 of the power receiving device 10 receives wireless power from the power transmitting device 30 by the power receiving unit 11 (step S10).

  The control unit 16 determines whether or not the remaining battery level of the power storage unit 13 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (step S11). When the control unit 16 determines that the remaining battery level of the power storage unit 13 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (step S11: Yes), the control unit 16 proceeds to the process of step S12. On the other hand, when the control unit 16 determines that the remaining battery level of the power storage unit 13 is less than the predetermined value (step S11: No), the control unit 16 executes the process of step S10 again.

  The control part 16 transmits a 1st signal by the communication part 12 (step S12). The control unit 16 notifies the notification unit 14 that the power receiving apparatus 10 has been restored (step S13).

[Operation of recovery device]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the recovery device 20 shown in FIG. For example, the control unit 24 of the recovery device 20 executes the process illustrated in FIG. 4 when the communication unit 22 receives the transmission instruction of the second signal from the communication device 3 or the power transmission device 30 via the network 2. . In addition, when the recovery device 20 includes an input unit, the control unit 24 may execute the process illustrated in FIG. 4 when the input unit receives a second signal transmission instruction from the user.

  The control part 24 transmits the 2nd signal as an alternative of a 1st signal by the communication part 22 (step S20).

  The control unit 24 determines whether or not a notification signal for notifying that the power receiving device 10 has been restored has been received from the power transmission device 30 by the communication unit 22 (step S21). When it determines with the control part 24 having received the notification signal (step S21: Yes), it progresses to the process of step S22. On the other hand, when it determines with not receiving a notification signal (step S21: No), the control part 24 performs the process of step S20 again.

  In the process of step S22, the control unit 24 stops the transmission of the second signal by the communication unit 22. In the process of step S <b> 23, the control unit 24 notifies the notification unit 21 that the power receiving device 10 has been restored.

[Operation of power transmission equipment]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the power transmission device 30 shown in FIG. For example, when the control unit 35 of the power transmission device 30 receives the second signal from the recovery device 20 by the communication unit 33, the control unit 35 executes the process illustrated in FIG.

  The control unit 35 transmits wireless power by the power transmission unit 31 in the arrival direction of the second signal (step S30). The control unit 35 determines whether or not the first signal is received from the power receiving device 10 by the communication unit 33 (step S31). When it determines with the control part 35 having received the 1st signal (step S31: Yes), it progresses to the process of step S32. On the other hand, when determining that the first signal is not received (step S31: No), the control unit 35 executes the process of step S31 again.

  In the process of step S <b> 32, the control unit 35 transmits wireless power by the power transmission unit 31 in the arrival direction of the first signal. In the process of step S <b> 33, the control unit 35 transmits a notification signal notifying that the power receiving device 10 has been restored to the restoration device 20 through the communication unit 33. Furthermore, in the process of step S <b> 33, the control unit 35 transmits a notification signal notifying that the power receiving device 10 has been restored to the communication device 3 via the network 2 by the communication unit 33.

  In the process of step S <b> 34, the control unit 35 notifies the notification unit 32 that the power receiving device 10 has been restored.

  When the storage unit 34 stores the identification information of the permission device, the control unit 35 receives the second signal, and whether or not the identification information included in the second signal is included in the identification information of the permission device. It may be determined. Furthermore, when it is determined that the identification information included in the second signal is included in the identification information of the permission device, the control unit 35 may execute the process of step S30.

  Moreover, when the memory | storage part 34 has memorize | stored the identification information of the permission apparatus, when the control part 35 determines with having received the 1st signal by the process of step S31 (step S31: Yes), it is contained in a 1st signal. It may be determined whether the identification information to be included is included in the identification information of the permission device. Furthermore, when it is determined that the identification information included in the first signal is included in the identification information of the permission device, the control unit 35 may execute the process of step S32.

[Operation of power transmission system]
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of power transmission system 1 shown in FIG. For example, when the power receiving device 10 cannot transmit the first signal due to insufficient power, the power transmission system 1 executes the process illustrated in FIG.

  The communication device 3 transmits a second signal transmission instruction to the recovery device 20 via the network 2 based on a user operation (step S40). At this time, the user may arrange the recovery device 20 in the vicinity of the power receiving device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 so that the recovery device 20 can transmit the second signal from the power receiving device 10 within a predetermined range.

  In the restoration device 20, the control unit 24 receives a transmission instruction of the second signal from the communication device 3 via the network 2 by the communication unit 22. The control unit 24 transmits the second signal by the communication unit 22 (step S41).

  In the power transmission device 30, the control unit 35 receives the second signal from the restoration device 20 through the communication unit 33. The control unit 35 transmits the wireless power by the power transmission unit 31 in the arrival direction of the second signal (step S42).

  In the power receiving device 10, the control unit 16 receives wireless power from the power transmitting device 30 by the power receiving unit 11. Control unit 16 determines that the remaining battery level of power storage unit 13 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (step S43). The control part 16 transmits a 1st signal by the communication part 12 (step S44A). The control unit 16 notifies the notification unit 14 that the power receiving apparatus 10 has been restored (step S44B).

  In the power transmission device 30, the control unit 35 receives the first signal from the power reception device 10 by the communication unit 33 (step S45A). The control unit 35 transmits wireless power by the power transmission unit 31 in the arrival direction of the first signal (step S45B).

  In the power transmission device 30, the control unit 35 transmits a notification signal notifying that the power reception device 10 has been restored to the restoration device 20 by the communication unit 33 (step S46A). The control unit 35 transmits a notification signal to the communication device 3 via the network 2 by the communication unit 33 (step S46B).

  In the restoration device 20, the control unit 24 receives a notification signal for notifying that the power reception device 10 has been restored from the power transmission device 30 by the communication unit 22. The control unit 24 stops the transmission of the second signal by the communication unit 22 (step S47).

  In the recovery device 20, the control unit 24 notifies the notification unit 21 that the power receiving device 10 has been recovered (step S48A). In the power transmission device 30, the control unit 35 notifies the notification unit 32 that the power reception device 10 has been restored (step S48B).

  Here, as a countermeasure when the power receiving device becomes insufficient in power and cannot transmit the first signal, a method of driving the power receiving device with a primary battery such as a dry battery is assumed. However, in this method, it is necessary to provide the power receiving device with a battery holder that accommodates the primary battery in advance, or to design the power receiving device in advance so that it can be driven by the primary battery. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the power receiving device may increase or the size of the power receiving device may increase. In addition, the weight of the power receiving device may increase. Furthermore, the user needs to prepare a primary battery or fit the primary battery into the battery holder of the power receiving apparatus.

  Further, as a countermeasure when the power receiving device becomes insufficient in power and cannot transmit the first signal, a method of supplying power to the power receiving device via an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) is assumed. However, in this method, it is necessary to design the power receiving apparatus in advance so as to be compatible with the USB interface. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the power receiving device may increase or the size of the power receiving device may increase. In addition, the weight of the power receiving device may increase.

  On the other hand, in the power transmission system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the power receiving device 10 cannot transmit the first signal due to insufficient power, the restoration device 20 transmits the second signal as an alternative to the first signal. By such control, even if the power receiving device 10 cannot transmit the first signal, wireless power is transmitted from the power transmitting device 30 to the power receiving device 10, and the power receiving device 10 can be restored. In other words, in this embodiment, the power receiving device 10 can be recovered without designing the power receiving device 10 so that it can be driven by a primary battery or designing the power receiving device 10 so as to be compatible with the USB interface. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the probability that the manufacturing cost of the power receiving device 10 increases, the probability that the size of the power receiving device 10 increases, and the probability that the weight of the power receiving device 10 increases. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since it is not necessary for a user to prepare a primary battery etc., the power receiving apparatus 10 can be excellent in user convenience. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, an improved power transmission system 1 can be provided.

[Example of recovery device configuration]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the recovery device 20 illustrated in FIG. 1. The recovery device 20 includes a housing 25 and an attachment member 26.

  The housing | casing 25 may be comprised with arbitrary materials. Optional materials may include synthetic resins and metals. The housing 25 protects the internal structure of the recovery device 20. The casing 25 may accommodate the notification unit 21, the communication unit 22, the storage unit 23, and the control unit 24 illustrated in FIG.

  The attachment member 26 can be attached to the power receiving device 10. The attachment member 26 may be appropriately selected according to the exterior member or the like of the power receiving device 10. For example, when a metal is used as the exterior member of the power receiving device 10, the attachment member 26 may be a magnet that can be attached to and detached from the exterior member of the power receiving device 10. The magnet may be fixed to the housing 25 with an adhesive or the like. For example, when a synthetic resin is used as the exterior member of the power receiving device 10, the attachment member 26 may be an adhesive.

  With such a configuration, the restoration device 20 can be brought into close contact with the power receiving device 10 by the mounting member 26. By bringing the restoration device 20 into close contact with the power reception device 10, when the power transmission device 30 transmits wireless power in the arrival direction of the second signal transmitted by the restoration device 20, the power reception device 10 receives the wireless signal from the power transmission device 30. Electric power can be received more efficiently.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the recovery device 20 illustrated in FIG. 1. The recovery device 20 includes a housing 25 and an attachment member 27.

  The attachment member 27 can be attached to the power receiving device 10. The attachment member 27 is fitted into a part of the power receiving device 10. The attachment member 27 may correspond to the shape of the power receiving device 10. For example, when the shape of the power receiving device 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped, the attachment member 27 may be a concave shape that fits into a part of the rectangular parallelepiped.

  With such a configuration, the restoration device 20 can be brought into close contact with the power receiving device 10 by the attachment member 27. By bringing the restoration device 20 into close contact with the power reception device 10, when the power transmission device 30 transmits wireless power in the arrival direction of the second signal transmitted by the restoration device 20, the power reception device 10 receives the wireless signal from the power transmission device 30. Electric power can be received more efficiently.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating still another example of the configuration of the recovery device 20 illustrated in FIG. 1. The recovery device 20 includes a housing 25 and a bar member 28.

  The bar member 28 may be extendable and foldable. One end of the bar member 28 is located within a predetermined range from the power receiving device 10. Moreover, the communication part 22 which transmits a 2nd signal is arrange | positioned at the end of the bar member 28. As shown in FIG.

  A housing 25 is disposed at the other end of the bar member 28. The casing 25 accommodates components other than the communication unit 22 of the recovery device 20.

  With such a configuration, for example, even when the power receiving device 10 is located at a high place, one end of the rod member 28 can be positioned within a predetermined range from the power receiving device 10. By positioning one end of the rod member 28 within a predetermined range from the power receiving device 10, the restoration device 20 can move the second signal within the predetermined range from the power receiving device 10 when the power receiving device 10 cannot transmit the first signal due to power shortage. A signal can be transmitted.

  Although the embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various changes or modifications based on the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be noted that these variations or modifications are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, functions included in each component or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and a plurality of components or steps can be combined into one or divided. It is. Although the embodiment according to the present disclosure has been described centering on an apparatus, the embodiment according to the present disclosure can also be realized as a method including steps executed by each component of the apparatus. The embodiment according to the present disclosure can also be realized as a method, a program, or a storage medium storing a program executed by a processor included in the apparatus. It should be understood that these are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the recovery device 20 as a dedicated machine has been described. However, a communication device capable of transmitting a radio signal may be used instead of the recovery device 20. The communication device may be any communication device as long as it can transmit a radio signal. For example, the communication device may include another power receiving device 10, a smartphone, a fablet, a tablet PC, and a feature phone. When using a communication device instead of the recovery device 20, the communication device may cause the communication device to execute the same processing as the recovery device 20 according to the control program. For example, the control program may cause the communication device to execute a step of transmitting a second signal as an alternative to the first signal. Furthermore, the control program transmits the second signal to the communication device when receiving the transmission instruction of the second signal, and transmits the second signal when receiving the signal notifying that the power receiving device 10 has been restored. And the step of stopping.

1 Power transmission system 2 Network 3 Communication equipment (external communication equipment)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Power receiving apparatus 11 Power receiving part 12 Communication part 13 Power storage part 14 Notification part 15 Storage part 16 Control part 20 Recovery apparatus 21 Notification part 22 Communication part 23 Storage part 24 Control part 25 Case 26, 27 Attachment member 28 Bar member 30 Power transmission apparatus 31 power transmission unit 32 notification unit 33 communication unit 34 storage unit 35 control unit

Claims (13)

A power receiving device for transmitting a first signal for requesting power transmission;
A power transmission device for transmitting wireless power in the direction of arrival of the first signal;
A second device as a substitute for the first signal, and a recovery device arranged at a position where the second signal can be transmitted within a predetermined range from the power receiving device,
The power transmission device, when receiving the second signal, transmits wireless power in an arrival direction of the second signal. When the power transmission device receives the first signal after receiving the second signal, the power transmission device transmits a notification signal to notify the recovery of the power receiving device to the recovery device,
The power transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the restoration device stops transmitting the second signal when receiving the notification signal.   The power transmission device, when receiving the first signal after receiving the second signal, transmits a notification signal for notifying the restoration of the power receiving device to an external communication device via a network. 2. The power transmission system according to 2.   The power transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the power reception device transmits the first signal again, the power reception device notifies that the power reception device has been restored.   The power transmission device transmits a warning signal indicating that the power receiving device is insufficient in power to an external communication device via a network when periodic communication with the power receiving device is interrupted. The power transmission system according to any one of 1 to 4.   The said power transmission apparatus transmits the transmission instruction | indication of a said 2nd signal to the said recovery apparatus, when regular communication with the said power receiving apparatus stops. Power transmission system.   The power transmission system according to claim 5, wherein when the power transmission device does not perform communication with the power receiving device for a predetermined time or longer, it is determined that periodic communication with the power receiving device is interrupted.   The said restoration | recovery apparatus will transmit the said 2nd signal, if the transmission instruction | indication of the said 2nd signal is received from an external communication apparatus or the said power transmission apparatus via a network. The described power transmission system. A communication unit for transmitting a second signal as an alternative to the first signal for requesting power transmission transmitted by the power receiving device;
And a control unit that causes the communication unit to transmit a second signal.   The restoration device according to claim 9, further comprising an attachment member attachable to the power receiving device. One end further has a rod member located within a predetermined range from the power receiving device,
The restoration device according to claim 9, wherein the communication unit is disposed at one end of the bar member. In communication equipment,
The control program which performs the step which transmits the 2nd signal as an alternative of the 1st signal which requests | requires the power transmission which a power receiving apparatus transmits. A power transmission system recovery method comprising a power receiving device, a power transmission device, and a recovery device,
The power receiving device transmitting a first signal requesting power transmission;
The power transmission device transmits wireless power in a direction of arrival of the first signal;
The restoration device transmitting a second signal as an alternative to the first signal;
Transmitting the wireless power in the arrival direction of the second signal when the power transmission device receives the second signal, and
The power recovery system recovery method, wherein the recovery device is arranged at a position where the second signal can be transmitted within a predetermined range from the power receiving device.